Thomas’ voice being heard at IHSA event

Published: Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 7:00 a.m. CDT

SENECA — Maggie Thomas, a junior at Seneca Township High School, will compete at the Illinois High School Association state speech competition Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 at Peoria Civic Center.

Thomas placed second in radio speaking in radio speaking Feb. 9 at the Normal West Sectional speech competition, allowing her to advance to the state competition.

Thomas has competed with the Irish speech team for two years. This year, she competed in radio and informative speaking categories. She has earned medals, trophies or plaques in one or both of her categories in every speech tournament this season.

In radio speaking, contestants must compile a realitic radio news broadcast, including news, sports, weather and commercials, then deliver it smoothly and convincingly. The speaker’s time must fall between 4 minutes, 50 seconds and 5 minutes, 5 seconds.

Maggie is the daughter of Jamie and Becky Thomas of Mazon.

Marilee Applebee is the Seneca speech team’s head coach. Annie Everett is the team’s assistant coach.